TO REMOVE THE PROHIBITION ON NONPROFIT, TAX EXEMPT, OR GOVERNMENTALLY-FUNDED HOSPITALS HOLDING A LICENSED PHARMACY PERMIT FOR THE SALE AT RETAIL OF DRUGS.

This bill removes a longstanding prohibition that prevented nonprofit, tax-exempt, or governmentally-funded hospitals in Arkansas from operating retail pharmacies. It allows these hospitals to obtain pharmacy permits for selling drugs directly to the public, with specific rules about permit limits (one per hospital plus one for every 100 beds). Hospitals would need to employ a licensed pharmacist-in-charge and must inform patients about their pharmacy choice options under the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The bill also creates new reporting requirements for the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy regarding pharmacy permits and closures.